Christmas Wreath Appetizer Board
Dec 12, 2020 Updated Aug 01, 2024
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How cute is this Charcuter-WREATH? Similar to my CharcuterTREE board, this festive appetizer is delicious and great for easy entertaining. You can make it in any size (single serving anyone!?) and change up the ingredients to suit your tastes. I chose to go with Italian flavors to give it antipasto flare. Of course Brie isn’t very Italian, but I couldn’t resist using Trader Joe’s brie bites because they are the perfect base for shaping the wreath. Serve this one up and see how long it lasts!
Looking for other recipes to get you in the holiday spirit? Check out my Hot Chocolate Board, Oh Christmas Brie Board, Charcuterie Chalet, Christmas Dessert Board, Pine Cone Cheese Ball, Holiday Charcuterie Board, and Christmas CharcuterTREE.
And, for a non-holiday version of antipasti, make my Italian Antipasti Platter.
How To Make a Charcuterie Wreath
Ingredients
- Brie bites
- Dill havarti, cubed
- Salami rosettes (check out my tutorial here!)
- Kalamata olives, pitted
- Castelvetrano olives, pitted
- Pepperoncini
- Peppadew Peppers
- Mozzarella balls
- Rosemary sprigs, for garnish
- Crackers (I used Ritz, Triscuits, and Wheat Thins), for serving
Directions
- Using round edges of a dinner platter or round board as a guide, space the brie bites and cubed cheese out in a circle.
- Evenly distribute the salami rosettes, olives, pepperoncini, and peppadews between the cheeses. Space out the mozzarella balls on top of the wreath.
- Garnish with rosemary sprigs to help define the wreath shape.
- Serve with crackers and enjoy!
Pro tip: I made sure to have toothpicks around the board. The ingredients (wet mozzarella and briny olives) don’t lend themselves to being picked up with fingers quite as much as berries and cheese. (These are my favorite fancy toothpicks from Simply Baked.)
Video How-To
If you’re looking for a play-by-play of how to put this together, check out this instagram reel I made for the Charcuterie Wreath with a step-by-step.
What Are Mozzarella Balls?
I love adding fresh mozzarella to my boards. It’s so easy to eat, and pairs well with a variety of vegetables and fruit. Of course it also goes so well on any bread or crackers (drizzle a bit of balsamic on it and I’m in heaven!). Its mild flavor is great next to briny, spicy, or really flavorful ingredients like pickles and olives.
Fresh mozzarella is sold in several different sizes. All types are most often sold in tubs with their whey (the liquid that it looks like the mozzarella is swimming in).
- Mozzarella balls. These are the ones you’ve definitely seen in stores. They are about the size of a small orange. If I use these on a board, I’m more likely to slice the balls into smaller pieces so they’re easier for guests to just take and eat.
- Bocconcini balls. This size is slightly smaller than regular ones. They are about the size of an egg. This is the size I used on this wreath board.
- Ciliegine balls. These are the smallest mozzarella size. They are about the size of a cherry. A bit harder to find in the States, these are likely found on the end of a toothpick skewer.
Antipasti! Antipasto! Antipasta!
What do Italians serve before their main pasta entree? Antipasto is the singular, and antipasti is for multiple portions. And antipasta is actually not an Italian word. The more you know!
The simplest definition of antipasti is what’s eaten “before pasta”. It’s the Italian version of the French charcuterie dish. Although a charcuterie spread traditionally has no cheese and a wider variety of ingredients.
Other traditional antipasto ingredients to try:
- Anchovies
- Artichoke hearts
- Mushrooms (marinated or in oil and vinegar)
- Cured meats like prosciutto, parma ham, or speck
- Pickled vegetables (like giardiniera)
Show Me Your Dips
I hope this post inspires you to make this recipe. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the beautiful spreads and snacks you create from my tips. If you make something inspired by this post, please tag me at @ainttooproudtomeg so I can see and share!
And, If you liked this recipe, please rate and review.
Christmas Wreath Appetizer
Ingredients
- Brie bites
- Dill havarti cubed
- Salami rosettes (check out my tutorial here!)
- Kalamata olives pitted
- Castelvetrano olives pitted
- Pepperoncini
- Peppadew peppers
- Mozzarella balls
- Rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Crackers for serving
Instructions
- Using round edges of a dinner platter or round board as a guide, space the brie bites and cubed cheese out in a circle.
- Evenly distribute the salami rosettes, olives, pepperoncini, and peppadews between the cheeses. Space out the mozzarella balls on top of the wreath.
- Garnish with rosemary sprigs to help define the wreath shape.
- Serve with crackers and enjoy!
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BEAUTIFUL CANT WAIT TO TRY
I made a charcuterwreath for Christmas Eve. So pretty and soooo delicious! Thank you for all the inspiration. I have made so many boards lately. You make it simple but beautiful!
I love how festive and beautiful this board is – it’s a must make for me!
LOVE this wreath idea! I’ve been making Meg boards for a year or so now and they are always a hit. I recently did a big one for my mother in laws birthday celebration with the family. Definitely going to make this wreath for the holidays!
Yay! That makes me so happy. I’m sure the wreath will be a huge hit!
Love this festive take!
I love this idea! Especially for this year to make something on the smaller side.
Such great ideas and easy! Love!
I did a riff on this for an evening with our neighbors that we’ve been in a bubble with: Rosemary, made a bow of raspberries, studded the wreath with sugared cranberries, and stars made of punched out slices of Gouda. Prosciutto roses finished it!
This looks beautiful! Can’t wait to make this for the holidays!